Egypt bans Gaza aid convoys

No convoys to be allowed passage in future following clashes over Viva Palestina.

09 Jan 2010 15:14 GMT

Egypt accuses members of Viva Palestina of inciting riots in El-Arish [AFP]

More than 50 people were wounded during a clash between Egyptian authorities and international members of the convoy on Tuesday after Egypt decided to allow 139 vehicles to enter Gaza, but said a remaining 59 vehicles would have to pass via Israel.

The Rafah border is the only crossing point into the Palestinian territory not controlled by Israel. However, both Rafah and the Israeli-controlled crossings have largely remained sealed since 2007, when the Palestinian group Hamas gained control of the Strip.

British MP deported

George Galloway, the British MP leading Viva Palestina, was himself deported by the Egyptian government on Friday.